Owens cleared to return to Stanford basketball team

Power forward Josh Owens has been cleared to return to Stanford men's basketball team after sitting out last season because of an undisclosed medical condition, the school announced Monday.

Owens, who will have two years of eligibility left, started 28 games as a sophomore, averaging 6.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while recording a team-high 28 blocks. The 6-foot-8 player from Kennesaw, Ga., redshirted last season while getting multiple medical opinions to determine if he could safely play again. Owens could not be reached for comment.

"We're just elated and we're happy that our prayers were answered as far as his health," said his father, Darrell Owens.

The family has declined to reveal the nature of the problem.

"It wasn't anything out of the ordinary," Darrell Owens added. "It was one of those things that showed up."

Coach Johnny Dawkins is in Europe and could not be reached.

"We've had a lot of tough luck," associate head coach Dick Davey said of last season's team. "Maybe now things will start to turn a little bit. We're awfully young but we have a lot of talent."

Owens' return gives the Cardinal another boost after the team went 14-18 overall, 7-11 in the Pac-10 last season. Freshman forward Andy Brown also is expected to rebound from an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in October — the second such injury to the same knee in less than a year.

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And Dawkins has signed a solid recruiting class, including Aaron Bright, Anthony Brown, John Gage, Josh Huestis, Stefan Nastic and Dwight Powell.

Owens could provide front-court experience for the incoming players.

"Of course, it will take a little bit to get back up to speed," his father said. "But he can't wait to resume training and get back playing."

Davey isn't worried about Owens' ability to pick up where he left off.

"I don't think it has hampered his physical development," the coach said of the layoff. "He hasn't lost his competiveness edge."